Ric is shattered to learn that Matilda has run away. Sally is torn when she learns that she will be made Principal of Summer Bay High – while Brad will be permanently demoted.
Extended Summary
Life hasn’t been easy on Rachel and Brad lately – her marriage has fallen apart, and his job as Principal of Summer Bay High is on the line while he’s investigated for misconduct. They’ve taken a few days’ holiday – and on their return it’s clear the break has given each of them the space to step back and get some perspective. Rachel is still bruised and hurting, but the initial shock of Kim leaving her has worn off – while Sally is intrigued that Brad’s mood is surprisingly light for someone who’s been under so much stress. And when he announces that he’s made a life-changing resolution – but refuses to tell her what it is – the mystery deepens.
Ric and Cassie are worried about Matilda, guilty that until now they hadn’t realised the depth of her unhappiness. Ric is beating himself up, wondering if he could have done more to help her. Cassie tries to reassure him, telling him that Matilda’s strong – she’ll get through this crisis. ‘And if she does get in trouble, Mattie knows we’re here for her. She’ll come to us for help before things get too bad.’
But Matilda hasn’t turned to her friends. Instead, she’s run away with Rueben and his mates to a small town three hours down the coast. Since her mother’s death, Mattie’s confusion and grief have steadily grown and she’s desperate to find the space to work out what she wants from life. But now she’s taken the giant step of leaving the Bay, she’s feeling overwhelmed as the consequences of her decision start crowding in on her. Is she really ready to drop out of her HSC? Does she want to leave Summer Bay for good? And what does this mean for her future with Ric? These questions come to a head when Ric tracks her down and confronts her. He’s desperate to understand why she’s done this – what she’s running from. The tension only escalates when Reuben warns Ric off. Clearly Rueben’s happy to rub Ric’s face in it, and Ric only just holds on to his temper long enough to walk away. Unbeknown to Matilda, he sees the kiss that Reuben presses on her – and to his eyes, it looks like a kiss Matilda is enjoying. Ric’s shattered. Is Matilda falling for Rueben?
Brad is also facing up to potential loss, with the Education Department’s decision on his future due today. Sally is nervous for him, protective, but she also has to warn him that the prospect of getting his job back is slim. To her surprise, Brad makes it clear that he’s positive about the outcome either way. It’s all a little odd but Sally’s soon got more pressing concerns to face when the Education Department calls to offer her the permanent position of Principal of Summer Bay High. It’s the promotion that Sally has worked hard and long for, and she should be celebrating. But her promotion means Brad’s demotion; the Department has permanently stepped him down to a teaching position, and Sally has to give him the news. Troubled, she confides in Alf. The demotion is going to shatter Brad – and while she’ll help him to fight the decision, she fears the level of stress it’s going to bring to their relationship. Alf is sympathetic but clearly he’s holding something back when he reassures Sally that Brad might take the news better than she expects – a comment that only makes sense when we find Brad anxiously waiting for Sally to come home. He takes out a ring box and opens it – to reveal an engagement ring. Is Brad going to propose to Sally?!